My Story

Dueñas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Dueñas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

My name is Maybelline Yesenia De Leon Gonzalez, and I greet you hoping the Lord is pouring many blessings upon your life. Before telling you more about my life, I want you to know that a teacher of the LW evangelism team helped my mom and me to write this letter to you. Fortunately, I am a healthy 4-year-old girl. I was born on December 11, 2019. I still do not attend school, but I hope to do it next year. My favorite pastimes are playing with my toys, watching TV, and painting. My favorite food is pizza, I like horses, and my favorite color is pink. I am so happy because I am already part of the feeding program. The project is a 25-minute walk from where I live.

Now, let me tell you about my family. My father is Jose Gabriel De Leon Cojolon. He makes a living as a baker and does his best to cover our needs and expenses. However, it has been challenging because everything goes up in price frequently. My mother is Maria Rosa Gonzales Ojot. She keeps busy doing the housework and looking after my young sister and me. We live with my grandparents, one of my uncles, his wife, and his four children. We share the household expenses with them. The owner of the house is my grandmother. The house has six rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My family and I use two rooms. As for our spiritual life, let me tell you that we are members of the Catholic Church in our town. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I hope to hear yours soon.

Warm hugs,

Maybelline Yesenia De Leon Gonzalez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala